Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Emily Soller | Floral Designer

I have had creative passions my entire life and the influence of nature in art, interior design and architecture has been of interest to me for as long as I can remember. For years, I expressed my creativity through sourcing and curating collections of antiques, one of a kind pieces of art and various unique objects from around the world. Word got out to friends and family, so I began sourcing and curating various collections for them as well. It was around that time, I realized that I wanted to actually create something tangible of my own, something artistic and special. Read more>>

Sarah Elizabeth Bash | Artist, designer, fashionista and entrepreneur

I pursued an artistic career, because art has always been an intuitive natural process since I was a young child. I remember taking art lessons at age four at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where my mother worked as a curator. The teacher taped large pieces of brown paper to the walls in the classroom, provided tempera paint and many types of paint brushes. We were encouraged to give it a go with our hands, brushes, and paints. Read more>>

Reginal Jefferson | Choir Director

Since a kid, I’ve always been draw to music. I started playing musical instruments around the age of 3. From there, I was drawn to directing choirs. Started studying and watching various directors. Their various styles helped to influence and cultivate my style of directing. Read more>> 

Sydney Kaye Hunter | Artist

I decided to pursue an artistic and creative career because of my upbringing. Growing up in a household where my mom listened to mostly R&B, jazz/blues, and hip-hop; my dad listened to rock ‘n’ roll, blues, pop. A lot of my love for music and influence for music comes from my parents. Read more>>

Quamay Dongeorge | Lifestyle & Fashion Enthusiast

I am very passionate about making a change within my community. I’ve always wanted to command a room, project, business, brand, foundation, you name it. Growing up music was dear to me and still remain close to my heart but I’ve come far from that place. Imagine a 12 years old wanting to be his own lavish character not knowing where it may lead him. My eclectic vision of fashion itself was ahead of its time and now it’s all coming together into a masterpiece. There’s not so much of a “Why” but… a “when”or a “how”. However, through it all the message remain to uplift individuals to be their authentic selves with trying to fit in but fit out and see that we are differently alike. Read more>>

Tuere K. Butler | Nonprofit Executive, Government & External Affairs

I have been in the workforce for roughly 25 years and I’ve experienced several iterations of work output and effectiveness. During the Pandemic, my approach changed significantly. It was the first time I worked from home and because of the work I did (serving the late Congressman John Lewis as his District Director and being responsible for the staff, and his Constituency base of 760K residents as it relates to federal issues and federal agencies), the location transition from office to home pushed me in a cycle of working more hours. This cycle was not healthy for my mental and physical health. There was no separation, of work and home life. Read more>>

Rob Malloy | Your Favorite Silverfox | Certified Dating Coach | Successful After Divorce Coach | Radio Personality | Actor | Author

Work-life balance has evolved significantly for me over the years. In my earlier years, when my children were young, the balance tilted heavily towards family. As they grew older and became more independent, I was able to dedicate more time to my career. Now that my children are adults, the balance has shifted again. While I’m enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with this stage of life, I’m also navigating the complexities of aging parents and the joys of grandparenthood. Read more>>

Mo Quick | Content Creator

When working for the corporate radio industry I prioritized my work and getting ahead over everything. I chose to leave because of the negative impact it was having on my relationships; my relationship with God, my family, and myself. Now that I am in a space to control my hours, my money, and my pace of growth, I have rearranged the priorities in my life; God, family, and then business. This change is much more fulfilling to my soul and has allowed me the sense of peace that I desperately needed. Read more>>